Kraken Review
Editorial record: June 1, 2026
Trading Fees
0.25% / 0.4%
Cryptocurrencies
200+
Founded
2011
Source status
Sources linked
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Editorial desk producing public-source crypto product research. Pages identify their evidence and limitations; hands-on testing is claimed only when dated evidence is shown.
Last Updated: June 1, 2026
Editorial MethodKraken launched in 2011 and lists more than 250 cryptocurrencies. It offers Kraken Pro, fiat transfers, staking, and institutional services. No publicly documented exchange-level breach has caused a loss of customer funds. Kraken publishes proof-of-reserves reports and provides several account-security controls. Product access, fees, and identity rules vary by region.
Our Editorial Verdict
Kraken launched in 2011 and serves eligible customers in the United States and Europe. It offers spot trading, Kraken Pro, staking, and institutional services. No publicly documented exchange-level breach has caused a loss of customer funds. Kraken also publishes a proof-of-reserves program.
Kraken Pro lists base fees of 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker. Fees fall at higher volume tiers. The standard buy interface can add a spread.
May suit: Users who need its regional access, security controls, fiat transfers, or proof-of-reserves tools.
Skip Kraken if: You need the lowest listed base fee, assets that Kraken does not list, or trading without identity checks.
Kraken overview: security, fees, and regional access
Kraken launched in 2011. Jesse Powell founded the exchange after assisting with the response to the Mt. Gox breach.
No publicly documented exchange-level breach has caused Kraken customers to lose funds. Kraken lists cold storage, two-factor authentication, withdrawal controls, and a Global Settings Lock.
Kraken began publishing proof-of-reserves audits in 2014. Account holders can use the proof-of-reserves tool to check inclusion in a reported total.
The exchange lists more than 250 cryptocurrencies and more than 600 trading pairs. Product availability and identity requirements vary by region.
Kraken Pro lists a 0.25% maker fee and a 0.40% taker fee at the base tier. Check the current schedule before trading.
Kraken fees and cost examples
Kraken Pro uses volume-based maker and taker fees. The listed base tier charges 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker. Higher monthly volume can reduce both rates.
| 30-day volume | Maker | Taker |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50,000 | 0.25% | 0.40% |
| $50,000 or more | 0.20% | 0.35% |
| $100,000 or more | 0.14% | 0.24% |
| $10 million or more | 0.00% | 0.08% |
A $10,000 trade costs $25 as a base-tier maker order. The same amount costs $40 as a base-tier taker order.
The standard buy interface can include a spread of about 1.5%. Check the preview before you confirm a purchase.
Kraken lists free ACH and SEPA deposits in supported regions. Withdrawal charges depend on the currency, asset, and network.
Kraken security and proof of reserves
No publicly documented exchange-level breach has caused Kraken customers to lose funds since its 2011 launch. Past results cannot guarantee future security.
Kraken states that it keeps most crypto assets in cold storage. Account controls include hardware-key support, withdrawal address controls, and a Global Settings Lock.
The Global Settings Lock delays changes to selected account settings. A configured delay can give the account holder time to respond to unauthorized access.
Kraken began publishing proof-of-reserves audits in 2014. The Merkle-tree tool lets an account holder check balance inclusion without exposing another customer's balance.
A proof-of-reserves audit is a point-in-time check. Review the audit scope, covered assets, liabilities, and report date.
Kraken Security Labs publishes research about wallets and other security products. Exchange custody still creates counterparty and account-access risk.
Who may consider Kraken
Kraken may fit users who need its supported US or European services, fiat routes, or account-security controls.
Users who keep trading balances on an exchange: Kraken offers withdrawal controls, hardware-key support, and a Global Settings Lock. The account controls can reduce risk.
US and European users: Kraken lists services and fiat-transfer routes in both regions. Product and state availability can differ.
Kraken Pro users: The Pro interface supports order books, limit orders, and volume-based fees. The standard buy interface can include a larger spread.
Institutional users: Kraken lists over-the-counter trading, custody, and benchmark services. Review the legal entity and service terms for each product.
Skip Kraken if: You need an unlisted token, anonymous trading, or a lower base fee. Compare total costs before opening an account.
Set up a Kraken account
Kraken publishes the following account setup process. Requirements and review times vary by region.
- Open kraken.com and select Create Account.
- Confirm the domain before you enter personal information.
- Use a unique password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Complete the identity checks required for your account.
- Review the available deposit methods and fees.
- Test a small transfer when you use a new network.
- Review the order type, price, and fee before confirmation.
- Configure withdrawal address controls and the Global Settings Lock.
Save account and transaction records for tax and dispute purposes.
Kraken, Coinbase, Binance, OKX, and Gemini
Exchange fees and services can change. Check each provider's current schedule and regional terms before you open an account.
| Feature | Kraken | Binance | Coinbase | OKX | Gemini |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listed base maker/taker | 0.25% / 0.40% | 0.10% / 0.10% | 0.40% / 0.60% | 0.08% / 0.10% | 0.20% / 0.40% |
| Listed cryptocurrencies | 250+ | 350+ | 240+ | 350+ | 100+ |
| Main platform serves US users | Yes, with state limits | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Proof-of-reserves tool | Listed | Listed | Different reporting model | Listed | Limited |
Kraken's relevant differences include its account controls, fiat routes, and long operating history. Binance and OKX list lower base trading fees in this data.
Coinbase and Gemini also serve eligible US customers. Compare custody terms, spreads, asset lists, and state restrictions for your use case.
Public user feedback about Kraken
Public reviews describe individual experiences and do not establish platform security or service quality.
Positive comments often mention security controls, fiat transfers, and Kraken Pro. Critical comments often mention verification delays, the standard interface spread, account reviews, and support delays.
App-store and review-site scores change over time. Read recent reports about the same country, product, and issue that applies to you. Never share passwords or two-factor authentication codes with a person who claims to provide support.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- No publicly documented exchange-level breach has caused a loss of customer funds since 2011
- Publishes proof-of-reserves audits with a Merkle-tree verification tool
- Kraken Financial holds a Wyoming charter
- Lists free ACH and SEPA deposits where supported
- Lists more than 250 cryptocurrencies and more than 600 trading pairs
- Offers staking where the asset, account, and region are eligible
- Kraken Security Labs publishes security research
- Lists registrations in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada
What Could Be Better
- Kraken Pro lists 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker fees at the base tier
- The standard buy interface can include a larger spread
- Identity-review times can increase during periods of high demand
- The listed asset range is smaller than some global competitors
- Staking and derivatives access varies by country
- Wire-transfer charges depend on the bank and payment route
- Exchange custody creates counterparty and account-access risk
What to check
This profile summarizes public-source information. Check the linked evidence for each factor before you decide.
- Trading Fees
- Security
- User Experience
- Customer Support
Kraken vs Exchanges
| Feature |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trading Fees | 0.25% / 0.4% | 0.1% / 0.1% | 0.1% / 0.1% | 0.2% / 0.2% |
| Cryptocurrencies | 200+ | 490+ | 700+ | 200+ |
| Security | 2FA available | 2FA available | 2FA available | 2FA available |
| Read Review → | Read Review → | Read Review → | Read Review → |
Frequently Asked Questions
No publicly documented exchange-level breach has caused Kraken customers to lose funds since the exchange launched in 2011. Kraken lists cold storage, withdrawal controls, and proof-of-reserves audits. Past results cannot guarantee future security, and exchange custody still creates counterparty risk.
Kraken serves eligible customers in the United States. It lists FinCEN registration and state money-transmitter licenses. Kraken Financial holds a Wyoming charter. Services and asset access can vary by state. Check Kraken's official availability page before you register.
Kraken Pro lists 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker fees for the base tier. The listed rates fall as 30-day volume rises. The standard buy interface can include a spread of about 1.5%. Review the order preview and current fee schedule before trading.
Kraken and Coinbase serve eligible US customers. Kraken Pro lists 0.25% maker and 0.40% taker base fees in this data. Coinbase Advanced lists 0.40% maker and 0.60% taker. Compare supported assets, spreads, state availability, custody terms, and current fees.
Kraken lists staking for more than 20 proof-of-stake assets. Displayed returns and commissions depend on the asset, network, account, and region. Staking can include lock, slashing, liquidity, and market risks. Check current eligibility and terms before you stake.
Kraken lists several identity-verification levels. Basic information can permit limited crypto use. Fiat transfers and higher limits usually require identity documents and proof of address. Review times vary with region, document quality, and demand.
Kraken Pro is available to Kraken account holders without a separate subscription. It provides order books, limit orders, advanced order types, and volume-based fees. The standard app offers simpler purchases but can include a larger spread.
Kraken offers a standard app and Kraken Pro. The standard app focuses on simple purchases and can include a spread. Kraken Pro provides order books, limit orders, and advanced order types. Check each order preview before confirmation.
Yes. Kraken requires identity checks for most account functions. The basic tier asks for personal information and permits limited crypto activity. Fiat transfers and higher limits usually require identity documents and proof of address. Requirements vary by region.
Kraken offers a simple app, but its purchase price can include a larger spread. Kraken Pro has more order controls and lower listed trading costs. Beginners should learn network selection, custody risk, and order types before moving funds. Compare the total cost with other eligible platforms.
Kraken lists live chat, email tickets, and phone support for some account types. Channel access and response times can vary by region and demand. Use support links from the official website. Never disclose a password or two-factor authentication code.
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When to skip Kraken
Skip Kraken if you need protections that its current license or custody terms do not provide.
Sources & References
Market Data
User Reviews
Documentation
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Risk Disclaimer
Cryptocurrency trading and investing involve a substantial risk of loss. Prices can change significantly in a short period, and you can lose some or all of your invested capital. This page gives information and does not give financial, investment, or legal advice. Check current provider terms and assess your risk before you make a financial decision. InsideCryptoReview can earn a commission from an affiliate link. A provider cannot approve or change our editorial copy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Invest only an amount that you can afford to lose.